On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, Richard “King” Dick Simon Jr., loving son, brother, friend, and father of four children, passed away at the age of 50. King was preceded in death by his mother Valene, brother Tim and son Diesel. He is survived by his father Richard, three daughters Olivia, Dominique (Andrew), Rylee (Grayson), sister Sherry (Jon), brothers Kelle (Julie), Lyn (Helen), and granddaughter Evelyn.
King was born on August 10, 1971, in Salt Lake City, UT to Richard and Valene Simon. As a young boy, he grew up in Granger, UT, and loved nothing more than playing with his older siblings. When they were off at school, he would push his brother’s 2-wheel bike over to their elementary school all the way to their classrooms, “just to say hi” until the principal would call his mother and say, “come get King!”
King was an avid golfer throughout his life. He was ranked second in the state during his Junior and Senior years at Cottonwood Highschool. As a child, he was encouraged to play golf professionally but instead chose to focus on the family business. King would continue to dominate golf competitions with his father and enjoyed every moment they could spend together playing the game they loved.
King later started his own trucking company, Back in Black, in 2002. King would do whatever it took to ensure his drivers had time off every Christmas to be with family, no matter the cost. He always taught his children to never forget the hard work and sacrifice that kept food on the table.
King had a heart of gold. He was known as the guy you could call at any time and would always be there. He took “giving the clothes off your back” literally. He made sure everyone around him had what they needed and then some. Many of his son’s friends referred to King as their second dad.
He enjoyed last-minute vacations with his children, breakfast with his father, riding Harleys, driving fast cars while blasting ACDC, and riding any amusement park thrill ride out there. His all-time favorite thing to do was pull all pranks he could to get people to laugh. He would never say no to a red velvet cake with a big glass of milk. It was an honor and unforgettable experience to be sung, “Happy Birthday” by him. You couldn’t have asked for a better father, brother, or friend.
A viewing service will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT) from 6 to 8 p.m. He will be buried with his son the following day. Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Galena Hills Park (12500 S Vista Station Blvd, Draper, UT) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club charity at www.bgca.org. Our family has chosen this organization because King and Diesel dedicated their lives to taking care of their friends who became their family.
My deepest sympathies go out to the simon family king was a great man he will be sincerely missed
Heartbreaking 💔 news..rest in peace King & Diesel..much love & sympathy to my Simon family.
Lynn and Helen--
We are so sorry to hear about King and Diesel. Our hearts go out to both of you. We are praying for comfort and peace for you at this time. We know your hearts are broken.
Jim and Steph
We are holding the entire Simon family in our hearts and in our prayers.
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of King. He will be missed by his friends and family for sure. I wish King's whole family the best.
I met King while I was employed at Dick Simon Trucking. (1994) .Little did I know I would become friends with King. He would come to the fuel island, when possible, to great me. He was amazed with my truck number. “666” . Yep. I was also amazed. But, I drove that truck for about 3 years because it was assigned to me. Off and on king and I would meet at different locations, but always acknowledged me. I worked at Back in Black for about 1.5 years in his complaint dept. I always considered King as a good friend and he was respectful to me. I’ll truly miss him. I lost a long time friend. I’m truly saddened.
My heart and thoughts of love go out to the entire Simon Family. There are not enough words...Rest well..
I am so sad to hear about King and Diesel. My heart goes out to the Simon family. King was a great friend. And true person. They will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to the Simon family.
I am so very sorry for the suffering the Simon family is enduring now. King was a one-of-a-kind great individual. He and his family have always treated me and my family very well. King's absence in this world is such a terrible loss that many will be affected by. I remember how much the drivers and employees of Dick Simon Trucking looked up to him and considered him a friend. My heart goes out to the Simon family and I pray the family finds peace.
I am so sorry for the loss of King and his Son. Though I had not seen King in many years, I was friends with him when we were at Dick Simon Trucking. He was a jokester for sure. I will always remember the good times working for Dick and the family, it was a great experience. Dick and family, I am so sorry for your loss and I am thinking of all of you at this difficult time .
Sincerely,
Tamyra Nielsen
(formerly Tammy Gale)
I am so so sorry for your losses. To lose two at the same time. What courage you will need to carry on.
Lyn and Helen,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Dick my heart and prayers are for you and your family. I know how strong you are with pain you will get through this difficult time
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family means the world to us, A lot of memories of my father Kenneth Kennedy have a lot to do with the Simon family Especially King. King and Diesel will truly be missed.
I express my sincere condolences to all who are impacted by the passing of Dick. I am saddened by this loss. I was on the golf team with him at Cottonwood and because he was talented and I was not he was always done with his round before me. Nonetheless, he was always off the 18th green watching as I finished my round. His grin as when I shanked a shot gave me reassurance that my teammate was there in support and that I didn't have to worry about letting the best golfer in the state down. He was fun to be around and I still have fond memories of sharing that senior year with him on the golf team. May his legacy of goodness carry on in other ways.
Words fail to express our deep sorrow for your loss. The entire Simon family are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you healing and peace. Much Love, Barb & Woody
Uncle Dick and family,
My heart goes out to you for lose of these two beautiful people...It is so hard to loose a son and a grandson at the same time...This is a lose that will take a long time to even fathom healing...I call on The Lord to wrap his arms around all of you to ease your pain...and to give you a little peace...This is such a heartbreak...God Bless and please take care...
Love always, Phyllis (Philly) McCullough Olsen and family
Dick was truly a kind and incredible person. I met him at CWood. We dated for a short time and he is still the nicest guy I ever dated. I cannot say anything more.. other than I am deeply saddened by the way he left this plane. May his soul be at peace and his spirit at rest now.
My condolences to the entire Simon family.
I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darla Miller and family
So sorry to hear about my buddy King and his son. He will be truly missed. A one of a kind guy. It is an honor to have nown him and have him as a friend. Our hopes and prayers go out to the Simon family.
Sincerely, Bert & Coolleen Wallace.
Tork reached out to me to let me know that King had passed away, because he knew that I have always loved your family. Dick, Kelle, Lyn, Sherry, and family - my heart aches for you at the loss of King and Diesel. I know you are still mourning the loss of Valene so recently, and this sudden loss must be so horribly difficult. Please know how sorry I am for your loss and that I have been praying that you find some comfort. I feel lucky to have known and loved King for the funny, kind, wonderful man and friend that he was to so many and I feel such sadness that he and Diesel are gone far before their time. I have always admired your family and the love you have for one another and I know you are helping one another through this, but I wanted you to know that you are in my prayers.
We did not know Richard Dick Simon personally, but had heard a lot from Lyn Simon about his brother as they had a wonderful relationship as both of them followed in their fathers foot steps to be in trucking. We are praying that the Lord will comfort this family in their great loss of a father and son. Lord, be with all of them at this time and help them through as only you can. Amen.
Lyn and Helen,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My heart breaks for you and the family.
May God hold you in his arms as you go through the pain and loss of your loved ones. Be faithful, and have peace. God bless.
Kristy King
My Condolences to Kings Family It was Sad hearing about his Death & Diesels yesterday (October 5) through a friend that worked for Dick years ago not sure what else to say but I found the whole Simon Family to be a Great bunch the time I worked for Kelle in 2015
Prayers to all of You
Going to miss you King 🌹
Every time I saw King he always had a smile on his face. He definitely seemed like the type of person that tried to make people laugh. I didn't know him very well. But, he seemed like he wanted to help out when he could. My heart goes out to the Simon family, and their friends. Losing someone you love is a very hard to have happen. I will be keeping everyone in my prayers. And my the Lord watch over you.
I was simply unable to do this any sooner. Accepting that this really happened was just too much. The world became a darker place when King left. He was the most genuine person I have ever known. Generous doesn't adequately describe King Simon. He was one of the best people I ever had the pleasure to know. I am proud to say I knew him and he was my friend. Find peace Brother. Until next time.